Indiana Notary Public Practice Exam

What does notary liability refer to?

1. The potential for criminal charges against a notary

2. The responsibility of the notary for errors in notarization

3. The obligation to keep a record of all notarizations

4. The risk that notaries take when refusing service

The correct answer is: The responsibility of the notary for errors in notarization

Notary liability refers specifically to the responsibility that a notary holds for errors or omissions in the notarization process. This means that if a notary makes a mistake, whether through improper signing, failing to verify the identity of a signer, or not following the required procedures, they may be held accountable for any resulting legal repercussions. This accountability can lead to civil lawsuits, loss of commission, or damage to reputation. The other options do not capture the essence of notary liability. While criminal charges may arise from notary misconduct, liability is more closely related to damages caused by errors. Keeping a record of notarizations is indeed an obligation, but it isn't a description of liability itself. Similarly, the risks involved in refusing service pertain more to personal judgement or business practices rather than the direct responsibility for notarization accuracy.